Energy: National Policy Statements

Lord Marland: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Chris Huhne) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
	Yesterday, the House of Commons debated and approved the six energy national policy statements which I laid for parliamentary approval on 23 June 2011. I am therefore pleased to inform Parliament that I am today designating them as national policy statements under the provisions of Section 5(1) of the Planning Act 2008, and laying copies before you as required by Section 5(9)(b) of the same Act.
	I believe this designation marks a significant step forward, as it delivers a key part of our plans to move to a low-carbon future while protecting the security of the UK's energy supplies at affordable prices.